"It is quite right," he then said. "I wish you a pleasant journey and good success; send us the Hessians soon, and if possible the Bavarians also."
"I will do what I can," returned the messenger.
"Stolzenberg," cried von Wendenstein, "bring a glass of punch. Here, sir," he said, "take this away in your stomach, it will do you good in the night; who knows when you will meet with it again?"
"To your good watch," said Herr Duve, as he emptied the proffered beaker.
The horses started, the carriage rolled on, and the officers returned to their fire.
After a short time the sentry again challenged; steps were heard on the other side of the hill, the pass-word was given, and the officers, who had hastily sprung to their feet, met Rittmeister von Einem.
The lieutenants saluted, and von Stolzenberg said: "Nothing fresh, a messenger has passed with despatches and a correct pass."
"All right, gentlemen," said the Rittmeister, "all is in perfect order. And now," he continued, laughingly, "let us lay aside duty; and give me a glass of your drink, and something to eat, for I have had so much to do to-day with the horses and men that I have not had time to find anything for myself."
The young officers hastened to get him such supper as their simple but plentiful provisions afforded, and to brew him as good and fragrant a glass of punch as he could have met with in the most comfortable dining-room.
"Yes," said von Einem, as, stretched at his ease on the straw, he lighted his cigar, "it is all very comfortable to begin with; but, by and by, when we have no more punch to drink, and no more cigars to smoke!"